Chargers, Donald Butler to talk new contract soon

Posted by Josh Alper on January 16, 2014, 7:16 AM EST

AP

The Chargers and linebacker Donald Butler talked about a contract extension last summer before the Chargers surprised many by grabbing a playoff spot and advancing to the divisional round of the playoffs.

Those talks stalled, leaving Butler with a chance to make his case for a deal on the field. He did well on that front despite missing three games with a groin injury. Butler had 84 tackles, an interception and a half-sack on defense for the Chargers in the regular season and then added a forced fumble and another interception in the playoffs to cap a strong season.

We should find out how much of an impression that made on the contract situation soon. On Wednesday, General Manager Tom Telesco said he anticipates resuming contract talks after the Super Bowl in hopes of keeping Butler from hitting the open market in March.

“He’s a great guy to have around, a good football player,” Telesco said, via U-T San Diego. “He played some really good football late this year. Hopefully, he likes the direction this team is going in, and hopefully, he wants to be here. We’ll see where that goes.”

Butler is one of the few key veteran free agents for the Chargers to deal with in the coming weeks and his role as a defensive leader along with safety Eric Weddle should make him the top priority on that list.

2 responses to “Chargers, Donald Butler to talk new contract soon”

That pic on megahead was sic, but I can remember like 2 years ago he straight up ripped the ball outta a Jet’s receivers hands and returned it all the way down the sideline…. The butler will serve anyone. C’mon bolts lets lock him up.